The 1988 Plymouth Minivans lineup reflects the era when front-wheel-drive family vans had become a fixture of American life, with Voyager and Grand Voyager serving buyers who wanted practical transportation in either standard or extended-length form. Plymouth’s minivans were designed around everyday usefulness, but tire selection still varies enough to matter once you get beyond the year and make. Across two models, four radial sizes appear: one is shared by both models, while the others are model-specific and split between 14-inch and 15-inch fitments. Before choosing a tire for a 1988 Plymouth Minivans application, confirm whether you have a Voyager or Grand Voyager and verify whether your van is on 14-inch or 15-inch wheels.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1988 Plymouth Minivans
Four tire sizes are used across 1988 Plymouth Minivans applications, and they vary by model rather than being universal across the full range. Because these sizes span both 14-inch and 15-inch rim diameters, the first step is confirming the correct wheel diameter for your specific Voyager or Grand Voyager before comparing brands or sidewall styles. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right vehicle.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): Grand Voyager, Voyager|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/75R14 is a radial metric size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This size is available from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles, and load ratings in this size range from 1,399 pounds at 35 psi to 1,521 pounds at 32 psi. Because it fits both 1988 Plymouth Minivans models, it is the shared 14-inch choice across the range and suits buyers who want a stock-type radial size with traditional whitewall styling.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): Grand Voyager|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
205/70R15 is a radial metric size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1988 Plymouth Minivans Grand Voyager rather than the full model range, and it is available from Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, and American Classic in narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and blackwall styles; speed ratings vary by product, including V at 149 mph from Avon and W at 168 mph from Michelin, while Michelin also carries a TL marking. It is the broadest 15-inch Grand Voyager option here, making it a useful starting point for buyers balancing factory-style dimensions with the sidewall appearance they want.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): Voyager|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
195/75R15 is a radial metric size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1988 Plymouth Minivans Voyager and comes from Coker Classic and American Classic in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, with load ratings from 1,444 pounds at 35 psi to 1,477 pounds at 32 or 35 psi. It is the 15-inch Voyager choice for owners who want a familiar passenger-car radial profile and the ability to tailor the look toward either a subtler or more traditional whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): Voyager|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
205/70R14 is a radial metric size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1988 Plymouth Minivans Voyager and is available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich with narrow whitewall, RWL, redline, and dual-redline sidewall styles; speed ratings vary by product, with BFGoodrich Radial T/A carrying an S rating to 112 mph. It is a strong option for Voyager owners who want a 14-inch fitment with more visual variety than a plain whitewall tire.
Two Plymouth minivan models are covered for 1988. They do not all use the same tire sizes, and the range includes both 14-inch and 15-inch fitments, so identifying the correct model matters before narrowing down a tire. Select a model below to see its model-specific fitment history and tire options.
1988 Plymouth Minivans Grand Voyager
The Grand Voyager was Plymouth’s stretched minivan, aimed at families who wanted the extra cargo and passenger room that made long-wheelbase vans especially appealing in the late 1980s. Its tire fitments span both 14-inch and 15-inch wheels, so wheel diameter is the first detail to confirm before moving on to sidewall style or brand preference.
The Voyager was the core Plymouth minivan, known for practical packaging and broad everyday appeal during the height of the original minivan era. For 1988, it appears with both 14-inch and 15-inch tire fitments depending on configuration, so the model name alone is not enough without checking the wheel size actually on the van.
Seventeen products are available across four tire sizes for 1988 Plymouth Minivans vehicles. 195/75R14 includes four radial choices from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis in narrow and wide whitewall styles; 205/70R15 includes four radial choices from Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, and American Classic in blackwall and whitewall styles; 195/75R15 includes four radial choices from Coker Classic and American Classic in narrow and wide whitewall styles; 205/70R14 includes four radial choices from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in narrow whitewall, RWL, redline, and dual-redline styles. Confirm the correct size first, since speed ratings and tubeless markings can vary within a size.
Radial Tires
Coker Classic Star Series | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 195/75R14
These FAQs cover how tire sizing changes between 1988 Plymouth Minivans Voyager and Grand Voyager models, how the 14-inch and 15-inch radial sizes differ, and what to watch for with sidewall styling, setup, storage, and road use on an older family van.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1988 Plymouth Minivans vehicles?
1988 Plymouth Minivans applications use four sizes: 195/75R14, 205/70R15, 195/75R15, and 205/70R14. The 195/75R14 fits both Grand Voyager and Voyager, the 205/70R15 fits Grand Voyager, and the 195/75R15 plus 205/70R14 fit Voyager. Rim diameter is split between 14-inch and 15-inch fitments, so these sizes are not interchangeable across the whole lineup simply because they share the same year and make.
That means a buyer should start by identifying the exact model and then confirming whether the van carries 14-inch or 15-inch wheels. Rim width guidance also varies by size and by tire, with many 14-inch and 15-inch applications falling in the 5.00- to 7.00-inch range, while some products call for 5.50- to 7.50-inch widths. Checking the wheel before ordering is more important here than comparing appearance alone.
What does 195/75R14 mean on a 1988 Plymouth Minivans tire?
On a 1988 Plymouth Minivans tire, 195/75R14 means the tire is 195 millimeters wide, has a 75-series aspect ratio, uses radial construction, and mounts on a 14-inch wheel. That same decoding applies whether the tire appears with a plain 195/75R14 marking or a P195/75R14 marking, with the P indicating a passenger-car metric designation rather than changing the basic dimensions.
For Plymouth minivan owners, that code matters because 195/75R14 is the shared 14-inch size used by both Voyager and Grand Voyager. It gives you access to traditional whitewall styling in either narrow or wide form, but it still has to match the wheel diameter on the van. If your wheel is 15 inches, the code itself tells you immediately that this is not the correct fitment.
Do all 1988 Plymouth Minivans models use the same tire size?
No, 1988 Plymouth Minivans models do not all use the same tire size. Grand Voyager uses 195/75R14 and 205/70R15, while Voyager uses 195/75R14, 195/75R15, and 205/70R14. Only 195/75R14 is shared across both models, and the others are tied to one model or the other.
That model split is why year and make alone are not enough for confident tire selection on this page. A Voyager owner may be choosing between two different 14-inch and 15-inch paths, while a Grand Voyager owner may have either a shared 14-inch size or a model-specific 15-inch size. Once the model and wheel diameter are confirmed, the remaining choice becomes sidewall style, brand, and the overall look you want.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 Plymouth Minivans tires?
1988 Plymouth Minivans tires are available in a wider range of sidewall styles than many buyers expect for a late-1980s van. Depending on size, you can find wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, blackwall, RWL, redline, and dual-redline designs. The broadest visual mix appears in 205/70R14, while 205/70R15 adds blackwall and whitewall choices, and both 195-series sizes lean toward traditional whitewall presentation.
For a factory-flavored late-1980s look, narrow whitewall or blackwall styling usually feels most at home on a Plymouth minivan, while wide whitewalls and redline-oriented treatments create a more customized presentation. That does not make any one style universally right or wrong; it simply changes the van’s visual character. Choose the sidewall with the same care you give the size, because appearance is one of the biggest differences between otherwise similar radial options.
What brands make tires for 1988 Plymouth Minivans vehicles?
1988 Plymouth Minivans fitments are covered by Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, American Classic, and BFGoodrich. Brand coverage varies by size: 195/75R14 includes Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis; 205/70R15 includes Maxxis, Michelin, Avon, and American Classic; 195/75R15 includes Coker Classic and American Classic; and 205/70R14 includes Maxxis and BFGoodrich.
That spread gives Plymouth minivan owners several ways to prioritize appearance and brand character within the correct fitment. Some sizes emphasize classic whitewall choices, while others open the door to blackwall or performance-flavored sidewall treatments. The practical move is to narrow the search by model and wheel diameter first, then compare the brands that actually exist within that exact size rather than trying to force a preferred brand into the wrong fitment.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Radial T/A and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial for the 1988 Plymouth Minivans?
Within the 205/70R14 fitment for 1988 Plymouth Minivans Voyager applications, BFGoodrich Radial T/A and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial differ most in sidewall presentation and secondary specifications. Radial T/A uses an RWL sidewall, carries an S speed rating to 112 mph, supports 1,433 pounds at 35 psi, and fits 5.00- to 7.00-inch rims. Silvertown Radial appears in redline and dual-redline styles, also supports 1,433 pounds at 35 psi, and fits a slightly wider 5.50- to 7.50-inch rim range.
For a buyer, that means the real choice is visual character and wheel match rather than a dramatic change in basic capacity. The RWL Radial T/A gives the van a sportier period aftermarket look, while the redline and dual-redline Silvertown options lean more toward custom styling. If your existing wheel width sits near the edge of the range, compare that measurement first and let the sidewall style decide the final direction.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1988 Plymouth Minivans tires require?
Rim width guidance for 1988 Plymouth Minivans depends on the exact tire size and product. In 195/75R14, many tires fit 5.00- to 7.00-inch rims, with one 195/75R14 product also fitting 5.00- to 6.50-inch rims. In 205/70R15, some tires fit 5.00- to 7.00-inch rims while others call for 5.50- to 7.50-inch rims, and 195/75R15 commonly fits 5.00- to 7.00-inch rims. The 205/70R14 size spans both 5.00- to 7.00-inch and 5.50- to 7.50-inch recommendations depending on the tire.
That spread is why rim width should be checked against the specific tire, not assumed from the size code alone. A van can have the correct 14-inch or 15-inch wheel diameter and still sit outside a particular tire’s preferred width range. Measuring the wheel between the bead seats before selecting a tire helps avoid an avoidable mismatch in stance, sidewall shape, and mounting suitability.
Do 1988 Plymouth Minivans tires require inner tubes?
1988 Plymouth Minivans tire options are overwhelmingly modern radial designs, and one 205/70R15 Michelin XWX carries an explicit TL marking, which identifies it as tubeless. The other sizes and products do not show a conflicting tube-type marking here, so the overall fitment trend for this year and make is toward tubeless radial construction rather than tube-type collector tires.
Inner-tube decisions still depend on the wheel itself, especially if a van has had wheel changes or is using older service parts that may not seal like a modern tubeless rim. If you are reusing original wheels, inspect the bead area, valve-stem hole, and overall condition before mounting new tires. A sound wheel is just as important as the tire when you want steady pressure retention and predictable road manners.
Can the original 1988 Plymouth Minivans wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1988 Plymouth Minivans wheels cannot automatically be used with all four tire sizes because the fitments are split between 14-inch and 15-inch rim diameters. A 14-inch wheel can only accept the 14-inch sizes, 195/75R14 or 205/70R14, while a 15-inch wheel can only accept the 15-inch sizes, 195/75R15 or 205/70R15. The wheel diameter has to match the tire’s final number exactly.
Even within the correct diameter, it is smart to confirm the wheel width against the tire’s accepted range before moving ahead. Several of these Plymouth minivan sizes overlap around 5.00 to 7.00 inches, but some products widen that requirement to 7.50 inches on the upper end or start at 5.50 inches on the lower end. Matching diameter first and width second is the cleanest way to avoid fitment surprises.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1988 Plymouth Minivans when the tires are fitted?
A 1988 Plymouth Minivans should be stored on clean, properly inflated tires in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, chargers, and other ozone sources. These are all radial fitments, so they generally tolerate storage better than older bias-ply tires, but long periods of sitting still can still encourage flat spotting, pressure loss, and sidewall aging if the van is neglected.
Moving the van periodically or supporting it in a way that reduces prolonged loading can help if it will sit for months at a time. Keep the tires off oil-soaked concrete, wash away road grime before storage, and check inflation during the off-season instead of assuming the tires will stay stable. Collector vehicles age their tires by time and environment as much as by mileage.
How long do tires on a 1988 Plymouth Minivans typically last?
Tires on a 1988 Plymouth Minivans should be judged more by age and condition than by miles driven. A sensible collector-vehicle rule is to begin close inspection around the five- to seven-year mark and treat about ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread depth still looks serviceable. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the best way to determine the tire’s actual age.
That matters because many older vans lead low-mileage lives, and low use can create a false sense of security. Cracking, hardening, out-of-round behavior, and weak pressure retention all matter more than how much tread remains. If the van is used for family cruising, highway travel, or seasonal trips, replacing an aged tire before it fails is far less costly than pushing an old casing past its safe service life.
How often should tires on a 1988 Plymouth Minivans be inspected?
Tires on a 1988 Plymouth Minivans should be inspected before every drive, and more carefully before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any tire that has lost pressure since the last check. Because these vans are old enough to have seen wheel changes, storage periods, and inconsistent maintenance, a quick inspection is never wasted effort.
A longer pre-trip inspection should also include checking valve stems, confirming spare-tire condition, and making sure the tires are wearing evenly across the axle. If the steering feels different, the van pulls, or a tire suddenly needs more air than usual, treat that as a warning sign rather than normal old-vehicle behavior. Small tire issues often show up before a failure if you make inspection part of every drive.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1988 Plymouth Minivans Voyager?
A 1988 Plymouth Minivans Voyager would have been equipped in the radial era, not the bias-ply era, and the fitment choices here reflect that with 195/75R14, 195/75R15, and 205/70R14 radial sizes. The exact original tire on a specific Voyager could vary by wheel package and market presentation, so the most reliable factory-style starting point is the correct radial size and wheel diameter for the van itself rather than chasing one universal answer.
For a restoration, matching the correct size matters first, then choosing the sidewall style that best fits the look you want. A subtle narrow whitewall or blackwall often feels more era-appropriate for a late-1980s minivan than a more dramatic treatment, though custom builds may intentionally go another direction. If the van is being judged, check with Plymouth and Chrysler minivan specialists or marque clubs for trim-specific guidance.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1988 Plymouth Minivans?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1988 Plymouth Minivans, especially if the van is being presented as an accurate period vehicle rather than a custom. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts tend to notice whether the tire size, wheel diameter, construction type, and sidewall appearance fit the era and the vehicle’s intended presentation. On a late-1980s minivan, the difference between a restrained blackwall or narrow whitewall and a more stylized sidewall can change the whole impression.
That does not mean every event uses the same standard, but consistency always helps. A van restored to factory flavor should avoid visual cues that clash with the period unless the goal is an intentional custom build. If the vehicle is headed for marque judging, confirm what that organization considers acceptable before selecting a tire, since authenticity expectations can be stricter than simple road-use requirements.
What is the difference between Coker Classic Star Series and American Classic Radial for the 1988 Plymouth Minivans?
In the 195/75R15 fitment for 1988 Plymouth Minivans Voyager, Coker Classic Star Series and American Classic Radial overlap in size but differ in sidewall offerings and some specification details. Coker Classic Star Series appears in both 2.25-inch wide whitewall and 3/4-inch narrow whitewall versions, carries a 1,477-pound load rating at 32 psi, and weighs 23.5 pounds. American Classic Radial appears in narrow and wide whitewall versions as well, with load ratings of 1,444 pounds at 35 psi or 1,477 pounds at 35 psi, and weighs 24 pounds.
For a restoration-minded owner, that means the choice can come down to the exact whitewall width you want to see on the vehicle, along with small differences in load-and-pressure presentation and tire weight. Both stay within the same overall 195/75R15 radial fitment, so the visual character becomes a major deciding factor. If your goal is a specific period look, compare the whitewall width against photos of the van’s intended finished style before deciding.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1988 Plymouth Minivans tires safe for highway driving?
1988 Plymouth Minivans tire choices are radial designs, and that is a good foundation for normal modern road use when the tires are in sound condition and correctly matched to the wheel. One 205/70R14 option carries an S speed rating to 112 mph, 205/70R15 options include V to 149 mph and W to 168 mph versions, and the other radial sizes are built for ordinary passenger-vehicle service even when a speed letter is not called out in the visible marking here.
In real use, the van’s age, suspension condition, brakes, alignment, and loading practice matter as much as the tire itself. A 1988 Plymouth minivan is not limited by tire speed rating alone, and most owners will never approach those upper ceilings. Safe highway use comes from a healthy tire, proper inflation, stable wheel condition, and a broader mechanical inspection that respects the age of the vehicle.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1988 Plymouth Minivans tires?
Inflation pressure on 1988 Plymouth Minivans tires depends on the exact tire size and product. Examples here include 195/75R14 tires rated at 1,399 pounds at 35 psi, 1,433 pounds at 35 psi, and 1,521 pounds at 32 psi; 205/70R15 tires rated at 1,499 pounds at 35 psi; 195/75R15 tires rated at 1,444 pounds at 35 psi and 1,477 pounds at 32 or 35 psi; and 205/70R14 tires rated at 1,433 pounds at 35 psi.
Those figures are the tire’s load-and-pressure ratings, not a blanket instruction to use one pressure across every Plymouth minivan fitment. Start with the vehicle’s factory recommendation for the correct size, then make sure the tire’s own rating supports the intended load. If the van has been modified, carries unusual cargo, or uses a non-original size, compare the vehicle requirement and the tire specification carefully rather than transferring a pressure from another size.
What should I check before taking a 1988 Plymouth Minivans on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1988 Plymouth Minivans on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and any sign of tread or sidewall distress. Check cold inflation pressure, confirm that the spare is usable, and look closely at the valve stems and wheel condition. A van that has spent long stretches parked can appear fine at a glance while still hiding age-related tire problems.
The tires are only one part of the trip-readiness picture, so combine that inspection with checks of brakes, fluids, belts, lights, and suspension condition. Older minivans often see family-duty miles, which makes stability and pressure retention especially important when fully loaded. A careful once-over before departure is the best way to catch preventable tire trouble before it turns into a roadside problem.